Distribution

Distribution companies act to bridge the gap between production and

exhibition, undertaking roles which most commonly include:

The transfer of films to exhibition platforms

Marketing
Choice of exhibition platform
Negotiating the number of film prints made/released to exhibitors
Provide trailers/publicity material
Dubbing/putting subtitles onto foreign films
Financing
Possible co-production of films

Studio Canal
StudioCanal are a distribution company closely linked with the BFI,
and are a unit of the Canal+ group who create conventionally British
movies. The institution describes themselves to have a
commitment to creativity as well as a desire to introduce new
ideas, and often produce/co-produce movies, rather than solely
distributing them.
Warner Bros
Warner Bros are an American conglomerate distribution company
who are a division of Time Warner, known to be one of the Big Six
distributors. The company were founded in 1905, and have more
recently been known for their distribution of films such as the Harry
Potter or Batman series.

Developments in distribution technology:

Digital file transfer, as opposed to sending physical film reels
Ability for distributors/producers/exhibitors to communicate online
Increased platforms to distribute films to i.e online streaming sites
Increased relationship between distributors and (active) audience
members

Research Task

Definition Distribution is the transfer of a movie, when complete,

from post-production to exhibition for audience viewing.
Key Developments
Cinema 1890s
Beta max - 1975
VHS - 1976
Digital Cinema
DVD - 1995
Video on demand - 1990s
 Blue ray - 2002/3
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